Profile: Second Chance Partners for Education

The Second Chance Youth Apprentice Program is a 21-consecutive-month integrated educational experience combining youth apprenticeship and classroom education set within the manufacturing/business environment.

The program serves at-risk high school juniors and seniors who are severely credit deficient with little hope of graduating from a traditional high school. Students who successfully complete the program, demonstrating proficiency in the core educational subject areas of math, science, social studies, and communications, earn a diploma from the school district and a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

Administered by Second Chance Partners for Education, the Youth Apprentice Program develops and enhances partnerships between school districts, businesses, CESAs and the local community.

Second Chance is placed entirely within the facilities of partner businesses and operates according to their calendar. Business partners contribute space, resources and technical expertise to the educational environment.

Programs are conducted at Generac facilities in Waukesha, Whitewater, and Eagle as well as Husco International in Whitewater. In 2006, programs were started with school districts and business partners in New Berlin and Menomonee Falls. Plans are to replicate this model with additional businesses and school districts throughout Wisconsin.